I can hardly think of a coastal village more magical than St. Tropez. After years of reading about her reputation as a bastion for the well heeled and fashion conscious, I very much expected a tourist trap brimming with overpriced banal shops and over-dressed self important visitors. To my delight, this couldn’t have been further from the truth. To be fair, certainly there are parts of St. Tropez that attract both. But the essence of the place is quite something else. For starters, it is fundamentally beautiful, far less “built up” and commercial than Cannes or Nice, with considerably more interesting terrain. The feel is of an ancient town with meandering tiny streets, many of which lead to breathtaking views of the waterfront.
We approached by ferry from Cannes on a brilliantly sunny day. Our goal was to avoid the summer traffic, but the serendipitous surprise was how delightful the one hour ferry ride was with views of the gorgeous coastline.
Once you leave the bustle of the harbor behind and begin ambling through the town, you begin to discover many hidden and quiet passageways.
Wandering around past the shops, the waterfront is never very far. The pastel facades are so painterly, as to make one feel as if you’re looking at an artist’s rendering rather than the real thing.
As in most towns in France, a wonderful lunch can be had al fresco and for a song. I’ve always found the places you just stumble upon to be the best.
The lovely streets are lined with charming shops and restaurants.
The Old Town is home to the more interesting shops, with unique merchandise, art galleries and pretty antiques.
Painted shutters, pastel colors and climbing plants define the character of the winding streets. One wonders how it can ever be winter here.
Contrasting the picturesque streets of the Old Town is the bustling harbor, where riotous color and a cacophony of visitors meld to give one the impression that nothing would be shocking or out of place here.
The stunning White 1921 Hotel and Bar is the perfect place to stop for a drink and a brief respite. The tiny property is right in town and embodies that great design ethic that perfectly marries tranquil elegance and opulent detailing, with edgy hipster chic.
A view of L’église Notre Dame de l’Assomption on the Rue Saint Jean in Old Town St. Tropez is as a familiar a landmark as any here.
The only thing preventing me from feeling sad to leave was the heavenly ferry ride back. As I sat on the deck with the sun on my back, I couldn’t help but wonder, why would anyone sit in traffic?
Karen says
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 12:58 pmWhat a lovely introduction to Cannes ! Wonderful pictures of what must have been a wonderful trip. Glad you enjoyed it.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 2:19 pmThanks you! It was bliss… 🙂
Karen says
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 1:03 pmSorry , of course I meant St. Tropez! But while writing I thought about my trip to Cannes a couple of years back!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 2:20 pmYes, I got it… 😉 We actually were based in Cannes and visited many different towns. There will be many posts upcoming from the same trip… lol.
Dina says
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 2:47 pmShalom Lory. Oh, such beauty and peace! The place to be.
Thanks for your visit and comment. Yes, your brother was right.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 12:13 amWishing you only peace, Dina!!
the cape on the corner says
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 4:13 pmfabulous. i, too, thought it would be too touristy or too out of my league expensive, but it doesn’t look like that is the case. glad you enjoyed.
b
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 12:13 amYes, it was quite lovely. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!
Carla says
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 11:05 pmThank you for taking me to St. Tropez today. Your pictures transported me to a beautiful escape. Love it. Enjoy.
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 12:11 amThanks! Glad to share, Carla… 🙂
Julie says
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 5:35 pmThis place looks just magical! So glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for sharing!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 8:34 pmAnd thank you for visiting with me… 🙂
Janet says
Friday, July 25, 2014 at 10:51 amTruly a stunning piece of heaven. What a gorgeous, gorgeous place. I am in love. The old structures and shops look amazing. Thank you for sharing this magical place with us. So happy that you got to see it. Hopefully I will make it there someday.
Janet
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Friday, July 25, 2014 at 11:58 amThank you, Janet! I hope you make it there someday too… 🙂
Jacqueline says
Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 11:39 amHow enchanting is this?!! I made it to Nice and Monte Carlo, but I have to make plans next time to come here. How beautiful and glad to hear that it isn’t touristy. I love, love, love the food in little places in France – everything is wonderful. Enjoy, enjoy!!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 11:48 amIt is a bit out of the way, isn’t it? But boating there was so lovely. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Pieni Lintu says
Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 11:26 amNice shots all!!!
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 11:47 amThank you so much!!
Kelleyn says
Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 2:26 pmCan I come with you on the next trip! 🙂
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 9:10 pmHa ha! Sure, the more the merrier… 🙂
Cindy Magee says
Monday, February 29, 2016 at 11:48 pmIt’s been 22+ years ago as an exchange student since my day trip to St. Tropez also on a ferry ride from Cannes. It was magical and wow! seeing these breathtaking photos brought me back to standing at the harbor and walking the shorelines and having lunch at a cafe. Aaaahhhh, St. Tropez!!! 🙂
Lory at Designthusiasm.com says
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 2:55 amAh, funny you commented on this one. I was just thinking today I haven’t done a travel post in a while so I have one more upcoming for next week. The wonderful hilltop ton of St. Paul de Vence! Be on the lookout… 🙂